PCG welcomes training fishermen to be part of auxiliary personnel

The Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday expressed support for the training of fishermen and making them a part of the proposed auxiliary department of the agency.

In a hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services, Senator Richard Gordon suggested communication training for fishermen amid the reported presence of foreign vessels in disputed territory.

PCG Deputy Commandant for Administration Vice Admiral Oscar Endona Jr. agreed with the senator.

“The Secretary of Transportation is actively conducting the activation of coastal security auxiliaries,” Endona said.

“We see to it we organize those coastal fishermen to be a member of the coastal security auxiliary. We will continue that. We want to get more fishermen to be our eyes and ears,” he added.

The Senate committee is reviewing bills for the revision of PCG laws as well as for the institutionalization of the PCG Auxiliary and the creation of a PCG Academy.

Endona also suggested providing radio communication equipment to fishermen so they can immediately report possible violations to PCG stations and sub-stations.

“We will fully support if we will strengthen in terms of equipment like communication equipment,” he added. — DVM, GMA News